In 1995, The Radio Dept. was formed by Elin Almered and Johan Duncanson (who were old school friends). The name was taken from a gas station/radio repair shop in Lund, Sweden, which had a large sign with the name Radioavdelningen, ("The Radio Department" in Swedish) hanging outside their shop.
Since 1995 members have been coming and going and at some points there has never really been a Radio Department at all.
Martin Carlberg and Johan Duncanson started playing together in 1998 and decided to use the name The Radio Dept. Since then the band has done lots of gigs and lots of recordings. The Radio Dept. recorded 4-tracks in friends' living rooms or at home, in smelly warehouse, in demo studios with blinking fluorescent lightning and at schools.
In the autumn of 2001 Lisa Carlberg and Per Blomgren (Bass & drums respectively), joined the band and they started rehearsing in the way bands so often do. Soon afterwards they were all joined by Daniel Tjader on the keyboards. Their recordings were sent to the music magazine Sonic and got a nice review. They were also on the free CD sampler that comes with the magazine. That's where Labrador Records discovered and learned to love the band. Now they're a part of Swedish indie label, Comings and goings
Original band member, Elin Almered, left the band before the recording of The Radio Dept.'s debut (lesser matters), but still made an appearance singing vocals for "Strange Things Will Happen".
Per Blomgren, Drummer, left the band before the release of Lesser Matters. The band opted instead for digital assistance with regards to drums & percussions for their songs.
Lisa Carlberg, bassist, departed from the Radio Dept soon after the release of "This past week EP". The band no longer felt the need for a member that solely specialized in bass. The band was taking a new direction and preparing for their second album, "Pet Grief", which wouldn't require a member that played bass guitar.
The current line up of the band is:
Johan Duncanson (Guitar & Vocals), Martin Carlberg(Guitar) and Daniel Tjäder (Keyboards & Synth) (2006).
More details can be found on the radio dept. website: theradiodept.com.
Record Labels.
Slottet:
Created in 2001, this is the Radio Dept's original label. Created & managed by the band themselves. They published and distributed their own recordings in order to spread their music to the world.
The "Against The Tide EP" & coveted "Annie Laurie EP" were both released on this label in 2002.
At sporadic moments over the years, whenever the band have wanted to release something quickly or for free, they'd do so through the Slottet label (e.g. bachelor Kisses in 2008).
Labrador :
After the success of the self released records and some glittering reviews in local publications, several major labels came calling. The Radio Dept. rejected most of these offers and instead signed with Labrador records. Although the band don't consider themselves connected ideologically or musically with Labrador and the other bands on the label, they have much respect for the label which has officially become the home of The Radio Dept.
Shelflife records:
Shelflife are an american indie label that operate on a similar philosophy to that of Sarah Records. They select highly innovative, creative & melodic bands and offer them transatlantic distribution. Several labrador bands had achieved success through shelflife, so it seemed an obvious choice to use them again for the distribution of 'Lesser Matters'. No futher Radio Dept records were released through shelflife.
Rex records:
Rex records was an London based experimental indie label started by an ex-XL employee. The aim was to release demos and promote leftfield indie music. Only two Radio Dept. records were released on Rex, Why Won't You Talk About It and the rare Liebling 7".
XL Recordings:
During 2004/05, XL funded, distributed and promoted The Radio Dept.
During this short partnership 4 records were released. Lesser Matters, Where Damage Isn't Already Done, Why Won't You Talk About It? and Ewan. A short european tour was organised for the band as well as lots of press and an appearance on an XL compilation with the likes of Ratatat & MIA.
Track & Field Records:
Track & Field are another London based record label that took a chance on The Radio Dept.
In 2006 Track & Field were employed to distribute Pet Grief in the UK. They also promoted the band and planned for an extensive UK tour. This plan was abandoned and a series of special one-off London shows were organised to supplant the tour.
Pony Canyon:
After years as an experienced distributor of DVD's & kids toys, Pony Canyon, tried their hand at promoting & distributing indie records. So far they've only distributed a special edition of Pet Grief in Japan.
Soundtrack
Three tracks by the Radio Dept. have been featured on the Sophia Coppola's film Marie Antoinette (2006). They are: Pulling our Weight, Keen on Boys, I Don't Like It Like This.
Someone
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We seem to fall out every time
And again when I feel that we're closing in
You say look I really can't pull this off, not this time
What's with all these people?
Who are they?
What do they want?
Though you said it would bring us closer
I don't think you meant to each other
But to something else
Someone else
The Radio Dept.'s song "Someone Else" is an introspective representation of a failed relationship. The lyrics reflect on a sense of longing for someone who continually disappoints and expresses confusion about the other person's motives. The opening line, "It amazes me how much I want you," highlights the singer's deep desire despite the repeated setbacks in their relationship.
The chorus questions the addition of "all these people," wondering who they are and what they want. The line "I don't carry drugs in my pocket, though you said it would bring us closer" suggests that the other person may be seeking something beyond just a romantic relationship but potentially a shared experience with substance abuse. The singer ultimately concludes that the other person's motive is to be closer to "something else, someone else" rather than to the singer themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
It amazes me how much I want you
I am surprised by the amount of desire I feel for you
We seem to fall out every time
Our relationship always seems to fail
And again when I feel that we're closing in
Just when I think we are getting close to each other
You say look I really can't pull this off, not this time
You say you cannot handle this now
What's with all these people?
Who are all these individuals?
Who are they?
What do they want from us?
I don't carry drugs in my pocket
I do not possess illegal substances
Though you said it would bring us closer
Even though you claimed it would improve our relationship
I don't think you meant to each other
I don't believe you meant to bring us closer to each other
But to something else
Rather, you meant to bring us closer to something else
Someone else
You meant to bring us closer to some other person
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHAN DUNCANSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Eyeinthesky2012
So beautiful
The film is called "La commare secca" (1962) by Bernardo Bertolucci. "The Grim Reaper" in english. It was Bertolucci's directorial debut at age 21.
@itzoccor
the sequence from the movie fits very well with the mood and the atmosphere of the song, good choice!
@dhigun
It amazes me how much I want you We seem to fall out every time And again when I feel that we're closing in You say "Look I really can't pull this off, not this time" What's with all these people? Who are they? What do they want? I don't carry drugs in my pocket Though you said it would bring us closer I don't think you meant to each other But to something else Someone else"
@jarrodsingleton8260
The film is The Grim Reaper, an Italian film from the 1960s...
@felipeindrusiak5300
God Bless you!
@juliogarcia8646
I am crying yes!!!!!
@that0nemuffin
Such a beautiful little tune <3
@MrJayspeaks
The girl at 0:55 is an absolute beauty!
@dairy1994
Memories
@tar0286
Sad bliss